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Wrapped
in History
Merrickville's Baldachin Inn
by
Linda Aksomitis
I
love history. I also love being pampered. So when I discovered the Baldachin
Inn in Merrickville, Ontario, I was in my element. Less than an hour's drive from
Ottawa, Canada's capital city, the Baldachin Inn combines old world charm and
elegance with the best of modern amenities.
After a hectic spring of delivering training seminars I was more than ready for
a retreat when I checked into the Baldachin, so I’d booked the Bridal Suite.
It more than met my expectations! I had not two rooms, but four — a bedroom
with a four-poster bed, a sitting room with cozy furniture, a huge Jacuzzi room
with a fireplace, plus a small bathroom.
The light beige colors of the bedroom décor contrasted nicely with the
dark wood to inspire a feeling of elegance. A throw rug, its rose pattern matching
the tapestry finish of the antique chair, covered the original hardwood floor
at the bedside. The plaster walls, at least twelve feet high, were still in wonderful
condition.
Beautiful stained glass insets framed the wide doorway between the sitting room
and bedroom. The same tapestry motif carried throughout the sitting room couch
and cushions, and another small rug over the hardwood. Small lamps provided all
the light required in the intimate atmosphere.
However, I
have to admit I was incredibly pleased to see the large Jacuzzi — certainly a
contrast to the first two historical rooms — that filled the corner of the third
room! I've
always found there's nothing more relaxing than settling into warm water and feeling
the gentle massage of spray over aching muscles. The
gas fireplace offered another relaxation option in the room. A large shower closet
tucked into the opposite wall provided me with an opportunity to get freshened
up for supper, while the ½ bath was well equipped with everything I might
have needed — or forgotten in my packing. For
my first evening’s meal I wandered down to Harry McLean’s Pub in the
street level of the inn. With its 1860s European Pub styling, I immediately
felt at home among the guests and friendly staff. The menu was varied, but after
a day in airports and on planes, I decided on a light dinner salad covered with
shrimp, delicious.
My night was peaceful, so I felt renewed when I arose late the next morning. I
had several things on the day’s agenda: explore the historic community of
Merrickville and the Baldachin Inn. I took David and Bev Ellis, the Inn’s
owners, up on their offer to show me around.
(CONTINUE...)
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